WILD AGAIN: Mom is always watching

By Joann ByrnesColumnist

Friday

Sep 13, 2019 at 6:00 AM

Even though I still wish it was summer, fall is the most magical of seasons.

" Leave the damn wildlife alone!!"...me

So hey y'all! Summer is over and fall is knocking at the door. Even though I still wish it was summer, fall is the most magical of seasons. Baby animals have grown into juveniles, or teenagers if you will. You see them wandering about, seemingly by themselves. I get a lot of calls from people who are worried about these young animals and their well being. I think the fact that people care is wonderful, however 90 percent of the time mom is right there, hidden from your sight. Or she gave her children 20 minutes to go play and then they have to be back on time or else. But she is always watching ( Monsters Inc.).

A lot of times when I see juvenile animals out and about in the early morning, I think," Ooohhh their mom is going to be mad that they're late." No matter what, Mom is never too far away.

When you see a fawn alone or a rabbit's nest with no mom, that's normal. Adult animals have more of a scent or musk which can attract predators, so the parents stay close but not side by side all the time. So please leave these guys alone. It's the best thing for them. If you see blood or any other unusual circumstances, before you touch them or worse yet chase them, call a professional for their opinion.

Also this time of year young birds are jumping or falling out of the nests, but still don't know how to fly. It can take them a couple weeks to get it right. But mom is always, always there watching out for them. If you see them hopping about unable to fly and think they must have a broken wing, remember what I just told you and leave them alone.

Lastly, whether you're taking out your leaf blower, or your lawn mower for the first time ( No judgement...lol), or even your snowblower getting prepared beware of small nests, usually mice or squirrels in your garage or in your machines. If you do find one, don't take the mice in, thinking they have been abandoned by Mom and need help. She is probably watching you steal her children. Take most of the nest and move it to an area that's not in your way, but not too far away, and one that provides some protection from storms and predators (Safe Zone). Then, leave them alone(I'm sensing a theme here). Mom will find them. You do the same thing if you find a nest in your lawn you but you need to mow. You carefully move it to the lee of the stone (Secret of Nimh)...move it out of the way, not too far, but in a safe zone. That's the new term safe zone. Got it! Good.

If you find hurt or injured wildlife or have a question call your local Fish and Wildlife.You can look online at mass.gov/ wildlife rehabilitators.com for rehabilitators in your area. If you have a question for me, you can email me at wild.again@yahoo.com or follow me at Wild Warriors -Wild Again @ByrnesMae.

And please as always, keep wildlife wild.

JoAnn Byrnes is a local state-permitted wildlife rehabilitator who has been working with wildlife for over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bridgewater State University. Any questions? Email her at wild.again@yahoo.com. Follow her on twitter @ByrnesMae.

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